[Effects of isoprenaline bronchodilation on the partial pressure of oxygen in various clinical forms of bronchial asthma].

Blood gas disturbances noted in recent asthma were fully corrected with 1% isoprenalin aerosol, though changes in PaO2 were usually unobtainable in patients with chronic bronchopneumopathic obstruction. Simultaneous administration of 70% hyperoxygenated air via an intermittent positive pressure respirator led to a significant increase in this parameter, but was rarely followed by normalisation of the blood gas picture. It is considered that this finding is attributable to increased anatomical shunt at the alveolocapillary level.